The Wedding Cake (The Wedding Series) by Christine Dorsey Read Free Book Online Page B

well... until lately.
    “And I suppose you will meet Captain McGregger there.”
    There was no question in her voice, and Cinnamon feared her mother already knew the answer. It appeared her father did, too. He straightened his shoulders.
    “Now, Kathleen, we’ve discussed this. The boy will take over running the business when I retire. It’s in your best interest that he knows what he’s about.”
    “And is it also in my best interest for him to steal one of my daughters away?”
    “Mama, I don’t think the captain has any interest in Lucretia.” Cinnamon realized this didn’t put her sister in a very good light and quickly added, “Or she in him.”
    “It’s not Lucretia who concerns me, young lady. And do not try to shush me, Mr. Murphy. I know exactly what you are trying to do. Such a vexing husband you are, and after I’ve worked so hard to pull this family up to its rightful position in society.”
    ~ ~ ~
    “What did Mama mean?”
    They were in the carriage, slowed by a line of horsecars, wending their way toward the docks. Cinnamon could smell the salt and the tar in the air, and she could imagine the scent of spices from far-off India.
    “About what?” Her father seemed too intent upon his watch chain stretched across his generous paunch.
    “You know what I’m talking about. Mama and her remark about Captain McGregger stealing one of her daughters. It’s obvious you two have had words.”
    “Your mother and I are always having words, in case you hadn’t noticed, Cinnamon. Her latest suggestion is that we pack up lock, stock, and barrel and move to Back Bay.”
    “I’m well aware of Mama’s desire to have us situated in a mansion like Mrs. Randolph’s. As I’m also familiar with your desire to change the subject. We were speaking of Ian McGregger.”
    Her father sighed. “Your mother thinks I’ve devised some nefarious scheme to throw you and Captain McGregger together.”
    “I see.” She could hardly deny she’d ever thought of the captain in a romantic way, any more than she could deny they’d kissed. Still... “I’m betrothed to Lord Westfield.”
    “As I’ve pointed out to your mother.”
    “Well, yes, I should hope so.” She felt her face grow warm and twisted her head to the side, hoping to catch a whiff of breeze, as well as hide the blush she theorized was the cause.
    “But you know your mother,” Patrick said, stretching his legs out as the coach started off again. “She can’t seem to get the notion out of her head.”
    “Perhaps I should talk to her,” Cinnamon offered, glancing toward him before continuing her appraisal of the granite warehouses lining Atlantic Avenue. “I’m certain I could convince her that there is... Well, I find no fault with Captain McGregger, certainly.”
    “Most assuredly,” her father agreed.
    “He seems an upstanding enough man.”
    “Courageous.”
    “Yes, yes, that, too.”
    “And certainly a fine specimen of a young fellow.”
    Her eyes narrowed. “No one is denying that the captain is very handsome.” For the first time she wondered if her mother was right. Could Papa have planned her meetings with Ian McGregger? Shaking her head, she continued, “But the fact is I have no involvement, romantic or otherwise, with Captain McGregger—other than what benefits Murphy Import and Export.” Period.
    She was forced to remind herself of those words as the coach rolled to a stop and Captain McGregger himself opened the door. She’d never seen him in his maritime garb and she had to admit he was a sight to behold in his deep blue jacket, double-breasted over his wide expanse of chest. No paunch there, generous or otherwise. He looked rugged and incredibly handsome, with his black hair curling around the sides of his captain’s hat.
    Cinnamon felt as if the air were suddenly charged, like before a thunderstorm. But the sky was blue, with nary a cloud in the sky.
    “Ah, Ian, my boy. I hope this doesn’t mean you’ve made up your